The Barefoot Rundown:
Welcome to Barefoot Tours’ Rainforest & Waterfalls Day Tour in the Atherton Tablelands. We are a small group tours’ experience with Full day tours leaving from Cairns to the Queensland National Parks.
Located at an hour’s drive to south-west of Cairns, in Tropical North Queensland, lies the cooler-climate of The Atherton Tablelands that accents of a wide variety of landscapes and attractions. A region that changes from agricultural land, to scrub forest, to ancient rainforests, it is definitely a natural wonder which is worth exploring. Sometimes if we are lucky, we can spot the famous cassowaries which is the flightless birds or Tree Kangaroos (endemic to the Wet Tropics) or other Australian Wildlife. Everything from ranges and waterfalls, to spectacular national parks and tea plantations, make the Atherton Tableland Tour a must do for any adventurer heading to Cairns.
Why should I come on tour with Barefoot Tours?
We have a cheeky, slightly non-PC style of humour and enjoy some good banter. If you want a variety of scenery, love the outdoors, want to take some refreshing swims, up for a bit of an adventure but don’t want to feel rushed… then welcome aboard!
Let us take you on an adventure through the mountain ranges, through World Heritage listed Rainforest (older than South Americas Amazon Rainforest), across a variety of nature and beauty. We’ll show you all the best things to do in the tropical oasis of the Atherton Tablelands, from taking a dip at some of Cairns most epic waterfalls (like Millaa Millaa falls, Ellinjaa falls, Dinner falls, Zillie falls, Nandroya falls) to sliding down the natural rock slide at Josephine falls, to exploring the mystic curtain of roots set by a half a century old Curtain Fig tree, and swimming in the volcanic crater lake known as Lake Eacham.
Our itinerary isn’t set, whilst we have the main locations, we do each day, we change things around, add things in, do it backwards or whatever way we think will be best. Each day is catered to our groups, what you feel like doing, how long you feel like staying, the weather and a little bit on what our guides feel like doing too…
If you’re up for a bit of fun, want to explore the falls’ & the forest, then bring your friends or family or come alone, make new friends and have an amazing time of your life with Barefoot Tours.
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Lake Eacham
At the start of the Atherton Tablelands Waterfalls Circuit in the Crater Lake National Park is a Clear, blue lake surrounded by lush rainforest. Lake Eacham offers swimming, bird watching, canoeing, picnic areas and much more. Take your morning tea by enjoying forest-fringed views of the lake along with the company of some wildlife. There are over 180 bird species recorded in the rainforest, and you might even get lucky to see the small musky rat kangaroo as well. Lake Eacham is a volcanic crater lake. Click here to go to the gallery.
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Curtain Fig Tree or Cathedral Fig Tree
One of our first spots of the tour stands tall just a few kilometres from the township of Yungaburra, the famous Curtain Fig Tree. With simply majestic visuals, this is a mighty monster of the ancient Mabi rainforest. Estimated to be over 500 years old, Curtain Fig Tree and the Cathedral Fig Tree is just over 50 meters tall with a trunk circumference of 39. It is one of the iconic tourists sightseeing attractions in the Atherton Tableland and said to be some of the inspiration beind the movie Avatar… These stranger fig trees’ grow from the sky down to the ground – find out more on tour! Click here to go to the gallery
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Millaa Millaa Falls
Located on the waterfall circuits, these magnificent waterfalls are surrounded by lush rainforest. The waterfall soars around 18 meters skywards and you can find a pool at the base which makes it a perfect spot for an afternoon dip. Here you are able to swim right underneath the waterfalls and you can climb behind the waterfalls to enjoy the other side… Millaa Millaa falls is apparently where a bunch of 90’s TV commericals were filmed like Herbal Essence & Timotei shampoo ads. Relive those naughty 90’s with the classicly cheesy hair flick photos. Due to its aesthetic appeal and iconic representation, it has become one of the most famous waterfalls in the Atherton Tableland. These falls haven’t changed at all over the past century, which makes it an area rich in history and natural beauty. You might even get lucky to catch a glimpse of platypus. Click here to go to the gallery
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Josephine Falls
The beauty of Josephine Falls offers whiffs of exoticism. Crystal clear water, Wet Tropics Rainforest, natural waterslides and large boulders to relax on, sounds like a dream, right? That is how Josephine falls are. One of our favourite freshwater swimming holes in the Wooroonooran National Park (pronounced Ooo-roo-nooran). Josephine falls boasts of a series of fun, cascading falls, surrounded by forest and a natural waterslide into the bottom pool area. This feshwater swimming spot is made fresh from the rain from our highest peak at Bartle Frere in the rocky mountains above. Memories of afternoon tea at this delightful swimming spot are going to be with you for a long time. Click here to go to the gallery
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Lookouts
Henry Ross Lookout, Crawfords Lookout, Millaa Lookout, Gillies Lookout & the Tea Plantation – depends on the weather and timings of the day but we usually like to visit at least one or two of these beauties. Click here to go to the gallery
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OCCASSIONAL LOCATIONS
- Malanda Falls
- Malanda is a small county town and is partially surrounded by rainforest. The town is famous for its Malanda falls that are at the edge of the town and give great visual treats. We’ll stop here ocassionaly to pick up fresh food for our picnic lunch. You will also find local wildlife including many species of rare rainforest animals and birds such as tree climbing kangaroos, platypus and cassowary.
- Ellinjaa & Zillie Falls
- Both these waterfalls are located not too far from Millaa Millaa falls. Zillie falls is only accessabile in the dry season when most of the other waterfalls are just a drizzle, for this reason they are both on the occassional list of places we might visit. Ellinjaa falls is about a 20mins walk from the car park, it is a ledge waterfall with a small swimming lagoon below it.
- Henrietta Creek – Nandroya Falls, Wallaicher Falls, Tchulapala Falls & Silver Falls
- Henrietta Creek is a camping ground just off the Palmerston highway and is the base area for any of these waterfalls located around an hours hike in opposite directions from the creek. We occassionally will have lunch at Henrietta Creek, go for a refreshing swim in the creek before carrying onto to other waterfalls. Depending on the group or the day we have explored and swam at Nandroyer falls, Tchulapala falls etc. but it does have to be with the right crowd and decent shoes on the day.
- Dinner Falls & The Crater at Mt Hypipamee
- Located in the Mt Hypipamee National Park, The Crater & Dinner Falls are sometimes our picnic lunch spot. There is a total of three waterfalls here. The Hypipamee Crater is the main geological feature of this park. This crater was actually a deep crater filled with water and surrounded by cliffs. This is a wonderful place to visit on a warm day. A lovely walk down to the fall leads to a safe swimming hole located at the very base of the waterfall. If you are an adventure loving person you can swim up to the bottom of the fall, making your way along the rocks.
- Babinda Boulders – Devils Pool, Devils lookout, Goldfield tracks
- Babinda Boulders is off the Bruce highway. A beautiful National Park with walking tracks to the lookout, over the Devils Pools, then Babinda Boulders has a picnic area and also two freshwater swimming areas for you to enjoy a relaxing dip.
If you have a specific place you’d like to visit make sure you let our guide know in the morning on the day, so they can plan around it.
- Malanda Falls
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Inclusions:
- Transfers to/from your Cairns accommodation
- Morning Tea (biscuits, cakes & muffins)
- Stunning lookouts & Great photo opportunities
- Locally grown tea & plunger coffee (not that cheap instant crap)
- Chance to spot rainforest wildlife (cassowaries, tree kangaroos)
- Picnic lunch (fresh bread, salad items, meat & fruit platter)
- Multiple freshwater swimming places including waterfalls & a natural water slide
- Afternoon snack (good ol’ Aussie Tim Tams, quick fruit stop)
Exclusions:
- Transfers from Northern beaches as mentioned above and also Port Douglas
- Towels – please bring ya own
- Soft drinks, beers, personal expenses or spending’s
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Our tours take a maximum of 20 people each day.
Our tours start around 7:20ish depending on your accommodation and finish sometime between 6 to 7pm – we can’t tell you an exact time as every day is different.
We can drop you off most places around the Cairns CBD – sorry we don’t pick up from the Northern Beaches as we are too lazy and it’s too far away from us, this also includes Port Douglas, Palm Cove, Trinity Park or Beach, Kewarra Beach, and any other “beaches” we missed.
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What to bring:
- Towel – to dry yourself with
- Camera – for all those cool photos, don’t rely on our guides, as sometimes it gets messed up (cough: guides)
- Sunnies & hat – to protect yourself from the ozone hole
- Swimmers, boardies, cozzies, bikinis – whatever you like to call them
- Cash – just in case we stop at a tea or banana farm and you want to buy some – they don’t take card
- Water bottle – we have water onboard to refil
- Comfy walking shoes or sandals or flip flops – we usually wear flip flops or barefoot, but we recommend something you are comfy in… You will be in and out of the water, shoes can get wet but thongs can be uncomfy on the longer walk of 600m at Josephine falls
- Maybe something a little warmer in winter, like a dry change of clothes and jumper
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- Maximum age = none, if your fit and healthy and up for an adventure then jump on board… We are like a big family by the end of the day, nobody is left out, we’re all valued, and we all have some stories to tell!
- Minimum age – We don’t allow kids under 6 years of age (due to insurance purposes). Our suggestion is 10yrs old or above, as the day is 11 hours long and so for kids this isn’t always suitable. Some kids that love adventure, swimming and nature have an absolute ball on tour with us – and we love their enthusiasm they bring to the group. Whilst other kids are bored or want to go home at 10:30am, or there is no cell reception – so for this kids can think our tour sucks, and we don’t want this to affect our group either. As the parent/caregiver we ask you to self evaluate – is this tour really suitable for us?
If in doubt give us a call and we’ll be happy to discuss further, or suggest alternatives for your family.
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No, welcome to the rain-forest. Cairns Wet Season typically lasts from December through to about late March, this has changed a bit over the few years with the season having later starts but short answer is no we still run.
Have a positive attitude, it’s better than sitting inside a hotel room for the day, and even if the weather is crappy, at least you’ll see more locations instead! Some of you are only here once, and the rain is a huge part of the Cairns Region, majority of the tour operators adapt to the weather.
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AGE POLICY
- This tour welcomes those aged 10 years and older. No max age limit, but you do need to be fairly fit and healthy and ok on your feet (some of the tracks can be a little tricky otherwise).
CANCELLATION POLICY
- Customers will receive a full refund or credit with 24 hours notice of cancellation. Customers will also receive a full refund or credit in case of operator cancellation due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances.
WEATHER POLICY
- Your guarantee is we will only commence a tour with confidence knowing the day will go according to plan. However we cannot predict acts of Gods.We cannot be held responsible for any (abnormal) changes to the tour itinerary. Due to the tour being located in the Wet Tropics region, we encounter a monsoonal Wet season. We cannot compensate for any Acts of god. (Example: Flooded roads, Trees Blocking access roads, Bridges going over with flooded water, Landslides, extremely hot weather, or torrential Rain.) Once you have joined the tour group on the day, we all have committed to the days tour. We will endeavour to deliver a full day of entertainment regardless of the present conditions. We will do our absolute best given any situation.
Barefoot Tours - Rainforest & Waterfall Day Tours in Cairns
Overall good experience .
– Nadia S. is a Verified Guest from June 2019, Barefoot Tours
This tour was such an easy way to see some of Australia’s most beautiful places. Epic trees, massive rocks, cold waterfalls, great music, and a super-fun & interesting guide, Gabs, made this day unforgettable. Keep it up! If anyone gives you a tough time, they’re lame.
– Halley A. is a Verified Guest from July 2019, Barefoot Tours
Russel was a wonderful guide, authentically warm and completely dedicated to everyone having a great day!! A truly awesome and unique Australian experience!!!
– Robin G. is a Verified Guest from July 2019, Barefoot Tours
Had a wonderful day with Gabs! Grandmother aged 70 and grandchildren ages 17 & 15 were equally entertained. They loved sliding down the rock and I loved watching!! Highly recommend!!
– Elizabeth H. is a Verified Guest from June 2019, Barefoot Tours
Awesome day from go to whoa.! Magnificent scenery. The serenity & beauty of forest nature highlighted by spectacular waterfalls. Sheer joy of swimming in pure deep pools & the adrenaline rush of Josephine falls natural waterslide. Thanks to our gorgeous guide gabby who made our day fun, bonding us with her quirky jokes, music & dance, food & treats. Top of my tour list (at 60yrs l have done plenty). ta for an unforgettable day. It was my dream day. thanks for great day.
– Lyn B. is a Verified Guest from Aug 2019, Barefoot Tours
It might have been winter in Australia, but we beat the cold and had so much fun on this day trip! It had been recommended to us by a friend, and after three days on the Great Barrier Reef we were ready for a change of scenery and the rainforest was a fantastic choice. Will definitely be recommending to friends if staying in the Cairns area! 1) pickup was easy and flexible; 2) Daz was incredibly informative and entertaining (and had great music!) - we learned so much about the area; 3) the locations are so beautiful and each was different from the last;
– Amanda B. is a Verified Guest from Aug 2019, Barefoot Tours
Unbelievable locations, variety of activities (sweeming, water slides, walking), great and informative commentaries - what more one can ask for?
– Svetlana R. is a Verified Guest from Aug 2019, Barefoot Tours
Had such a great day with our guide Daryl. He is very knowledgeable, and always trying to get a laugh. Took us to some great waterfalls + view points and also found us some crocs to see! Water was a bit on the chilly side but we powered through 😆
– Kristen D. is a Verified Guest from Sep 2019, Barefoot Tours
Our tour guide Tery was so funny. We all had a very relaxed day full of laughter. We were a group of just 15 people so you could talk to everyone easily. We visited some waterfalls, made some great pictures, had some lunch and fruit and Tim Tams. Tery stopped and just bought us all some bananas and then showed us how to open a coconut. There was no stress and everything was very relaxed and spontaneously.
– Marina K. is a Verified Guest from Sep 2019, Barefoot Tours
Gabs was the best guide I ever had in a daytrip. Always joking and making the whole bus laugh! The trip was even better than I expected. Only a small group of 16 people. We went swimming under a waterfall and the lunch option was great! Would definitly recommend the trip.
– Annika R. is a Verified Guest from Nov 2019, Barefoot Tours
We did the Atherton tour waterfalls and rainforest it was stunningly beautiful, but the cherry on the cake was our tour guide Gabi, not only was she very knowledgeable about the area but also made the day fun, she didn’t over egg the cake by yapping too much about nothing like some guides do, she kept everyone on our tour interested without it becoming boring, she was funny Knowledgeable and just a great person to spend the day with.
– Amber P. is a Verified Guest from Nov 2019, Barefoot Tours
The natural beauty of the tablelands, rainforests and waterfalls couldn’t be better. But our guide, Terry, put it over the top! Thanks for an amazing day.
– Sonia M. is a Verified Guest from Nov 2019, Barefoot Tours
The tour was great. Getting to see all the waterfalls and being able to swim and have a laugh. Was just what we were looking for when we booked the trip. The tour guy (Terry) was very knowledgeable and has some great stories to tell. Would recommend the tour to all my mates
– Scott S. is a Verified Guest from Jan 2020, Barefoot Tours
I don’t normally write reviews but I felt I needed to for this trip. If you’re in cairns for even just a day its worth booking this up and heading to the waterfalls. You’re fed and you’re looked after all day, we were told so much information not just on the waterfalls but anything to do with cairns or even a potato. Daryl was a great tour guide & Chelsea was awesome too. Definitely recommend 👌🏼
– Tom B. is a Verified Guest from Jan 2020, Barefoot Tours
It was amazing! Our guide, Russel was super knowledgeable and friendly and was able to maintain a very chilled out atmosphere throughout the tour. It was organised so that we were able to visit 5 beautiful locations in the one day, and spend enough time at each of them. There was always enough food, snacks, coffee and tea to keep us going and the bus was air conditioned with music playing. The locations were all stunning, great swimming and walking locations
– Leah C. is a Verified Guest from Feb 2020, Barefoot Tours
Amazing trip! The waterfall was beautiful and the guide amazing! Best guide ever!
– Walid K. is a Verified Guest from Feb 2020, Barefoot Tours
Great day to the waterfalls glad we did this with barefoot tours and not ourselves as Daryl was very knowledgeable and proud of his land and he kept us entertained thru out the day!
– Carrie C. is a Verified Guest from Feb 2020, Barefoot Tours
100% recommend this tour if you are in the area. This was an absolutely amazing day from start to finish. Our tour guide Russell was very nice and super knowledgeable. It was my first time in Australia so I was going in blindly, but this trip far exceeded my expectations. Everywhere we went was stunning. Just when I thought I had a new favorite spot, the next place would be even more beautiful. Josephine Falls and Lake Eacham were gorgeous and loads of fun. We had lunch by the beautiful Milla Milla Falls. Honestly, the whole thing felt like a dream/fun day at summer camp. If you want an authentic, fun, educational and tailored tour this is your best choice.
– Sarah BM. is a Verified Guest from Feb 2020, Barefoot Tours
We came to Cairns for my husband’s birthday and wanted a tour to sum up what the area is about and this experience was second to none mostly due to our guide, Russell who was vastly knowledgeable an provided us with all kinds of information about Cairns in terms of its history and about its contemporary facts. I loved that he touched on the Aboriginality aspect of Cairns and he did so with the outmost respect and reverence. He was extremely helpful and went above and beyond to look after all tour participants. It’s not just his wealth of knowledge but also the fact that you could tell he was very passionate about the area in general and particularly rainforests.
– Georgiana P. is a Verified Guest from Feb 2020, Barefoot Tours
The day at the waterfalls was just amazing. Russell, our guide, was fun as well as informed about everything and he taught us a lot bout flora, fauna, history and agriculture in Australia. The spots we stopped at are speaking for themselves. Josephine and Millaa Millaa falls are amazing, we had enough time to swim and take photos, Lake Eacham and the old fig tree are just as beautiful. I really enjoyed the tour and had a great day
– Katharina T. is a Verified Guest from Feb 2020, Barefoot Tours
We thoroughly enjoyed our day, visiting many waterfalls and getting plenty of time to swim and enjoy the areas. Daryl was our tour guide and was great, friendly, funny and took care of everyone all day.
– Doug B. is a Verified Guest from Mar 2020, Barefoot Tours
We were surprised by the amount of places, we have visited in a day. They were amazing, the slide at josephine falls was a huge fun
– Zsombor E. is a Verified Guest from Mar 2020, Barefoot Tours
My day was breathtaking, I met some fantastic ppl as I traveled solo. The tour guide was fantastic all the knowledge of the waterfalls were great to hear and I learnt a lot. The waterfalls were absolutely stunning and definitely a must for everyone to see! I’ll definitely be back and booking with Barefoot!!!
– Eva DB. is a Verified Guest from Feb 2020, Barefoot Tours
Food was great, Guide was amazing and the waterfalls were very nice.
– Tomasz B. is a Verified Guest from Mar 2020, Barefoot Tours
Great day and tour, Darrell was so enthusiastic all day, knew all the best spots and had great stories to tell. Thoroughly enjoyed my last day in Cairns and would recommend to anyone!!!
– Karis Lilly H. is a Verified Guest from Mar 2020, Barefoot Tours
Beautiful day visiting the surrounding waterfalls and tablelands. Funny and informative tour guides kept the day interesting and casual. Great value for a full day. Spectacular waterfalls!
– Joanne R. is a Verified Guest from Sep 2020, Barefoot Tours
I thoroughly enjoyed the day. Rohan was an excellent host. He had such a great sense of humour and fun and you could tell his heart was really in the job making sure we all had the best day. I love swimming in waterfalls and photography. Each spot was just so beautiful - I could have spent half a day at each of the destinations. I definitely loved the Josephine Falls - it was super great fun sliding down the rockface in the waterfall. The Babinda Boulders were also amazing. I could definitely spend half a day there with photography. 10/10. I thought the timing was just right - I didn't feel rushed or that we stayed too long in any one spot. Loved it all and a great pleasure to have Marcio as the co-host - he will also be a great tour leader when he learns the ropes. Thank you Rohan and Marcio as well as the others in our group who made the day very memorable. Yasmine :-)
– Yasmine D. is a Verified Guest from Sep 2020, Barefoot Tours
This was such an amazing experience! The scenery was beautiful and our guide Russell, knew so much about the region so we learnt alot too. All the places we saw were amazing but sliding down Josephine Falls and Swimming under Millaa Milla fallls were the highlights. Dont let the cold water deter you, it's worth it! Plenty of food on offer along the ride and nice to sit back and not worry about getting lost or deciding which places to see! You are in good hands and are guaranteed to enjoy the Tableland experience with Russell and the Barefoot Tours. Thanks guys!! Patti
– Patti T. is a Verified Guest from Sep 2020, Barefoot Tours
FULL DAY OF FUN, AMAZING SCENERY, EXCELLENT ORGANISATION OF THE TOUR. OUR TOUR GUIDE WAS AN UNBELIEVABLE GUY, FULL OF KNOWLEDGE AND STORIES, FULL OF ENERGY AND FUN, TOOK CARE OF US IN DANGEROUS PLACES AND GAVE US LOTS OF GOOD TIPS AND ADVICE. WE WILL HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS TOUR, IS A MUST, A DAY WE WILL NEVER FORGET. WE WILL COME AGAIN VERY SOON
– Simon R. is a Verified Guest from Mar 2020, Barefoot Tours
I have always wanted to tick waterfalls off my bucket list and I am so glad I did this with barefoot tours. Russell was our guide and he was the most knowledgeable guy about the region. Not to mention that there was 3 of us on tour so it was more of a private guided tour to go and see so many waterfalls then to come back through the tablelands was amazing. Thanks so much Russell for the day it was an experience of a lifetime and one we won’t forget. The experience was well thought out through the day I think keep doing what you guys are doing. More different experiences would be something I’d like to see as in different tours to expand your business.
– Kristy E. is a Verified Guest from Mar 2020, Barefoot ToursStress less with a pre-packaged itinerary created by locals, with your best interests…
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With three tours in three different directions you’ll get a good understanding on the basics of Cairns Outdoor Nature Adventure.
- 3 full day tours
- 3 lunches
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- Atherton Tablelands Waterfalls
- The Great Barrier Reef
- The Daintree Rainforest
- PDF Itinerary, Tours reconfirmed
- RRP $478
- Our price $448, You Save $30
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- See: Josephine Falls, Millaa Millaa Falls, Lake Eacham. Fig tree & more...
- Departs every day except Sunday, max of 20 people
- Starts: 7am, Finishes: 6.30pm
- Morning & Afternoon tea, Lunch is included
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- See: 2 "Outer" Great Barrier Reef locations
- Departs daily , max of 80 people
- Starts: 8.00am, Finishes: 4.30pm
- Morning & Afternoon tea, Lunch is included
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- See: Port Douglas, Croc Cruise, Daintree Rainforest, Cape Trib, Rainforest Creek, Lookouts
- Departs every day, max of 20 people
- Starts: 6.50am, Finishes: 6.30pm
- Morning tea, Lunch is included